Tenants discover library resources at their service

Discovering Libraries is an innovative Languages Other Than English (LOTE) outreach program of the Yarra-Melbourne Regional Library Corporation (YMRLC).

It operates—through weekly visits—from community facilities at 110 Elizabeth Street, Richmond and 253 Hoddle Street, Collingwood.

Recognising special needs and a sense of isolation among residents on these estates, the outreach library project aims to enhance community connectedness and to support family literacy and adult education, particularly through the provision of English as Second Language (ESL) materials and bilingual resources and services.

Since its inception in February, the service has attracted hundreds of adults and children, many of whom have become regulars and now attend each week.

The service has been recognised for its innovative support for community-building initiatives on the housing estates through use of library services.

It received a national award from the Australian Library and Information Association.

Service Coordinator Vivien Achia said the library has succeeded because of its accessibility.

‘A library service in a familiar and non-threatening environment makes people feel very comfortable.

‘They only have to come out of their homes and down the stairs and there we are.’

Ms Achia said partnerships with Jesuit Social Services, Collingwood, Belgium Avenue Neighbourhood Houses, Outreach Victoria and City of Yarra playgroups had provided an invaluable link to existing networks and resident groups and helped promote the service.

‘The benefit is that we come to the estate cheerfully and positively.

‘We are bringing something to the residents and at the same time we are acknowledging their language and culture.’

Ms Achia said the skills of bilingual staff are very important.

‘At Collingwood, Vietnamese and Turkish-speaking staff provide the library service on Tuesdays between 10am and 1pm.

‘The Richmond service on Thursdays between 11am and 1pm is staffed by Chinese and Vietnamese library staff.

‘At both locations children can take part in bilingual story times that are followed by related craft activities.

‘We are showing families and children how to enjoy stories and songs together and at the same time providing a lot of joy.

‘It is really beautiful to see a group of children making things and to watch their faces as they work with shapes, colours, feathers and glitter.

‘It’s fabulous and many of these children wouldn’t have had that opportunity before,’ Ms Achia said.

People using the service can borrow from a selection of non-fiction and fiction books, CDs and videos.

‘Audio-visual materials in community languages are very popular.

‘Staff provide guidance to residents wishing to make use of the extensive range of ESL books, videos, magazines and cassettes.

‘We’ve seen a great increase in the use of ESL materials and the literacy materials that we provide at our libraries are being used more and more too,’ Ms Achia said.

• For more information on the Discovering Libraries program contact Collingwood Library Manager and LOTE Coordinator Vivien Achia on 9201 1500.